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Metabotropic glutamate receptors

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​​Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are class C, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the CNS that play a role in modulating synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are class C, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the CNS that play a role in modulating synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability.

Structure

mGluRs provide a mechanism through which glutamate can modulate cell excitability and synaptic transmission via second messenger signaling pathways. These receptors lack ion channels, and instead affect other channels through the activation of intermediate molecules called G-proteins1. mGluRs are divided into three groups based on their sequence similarity, pharmacology and signaling mechanisms: Group I (mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors), Group II (mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors) and Group III (mGlu4, mGlu6, mGlu7 and mGlu8 receptors)2.

mGluRs consist of seven transmembrane-spanning domains, an extracellular N-terminal domain and an intracellular C-terminus. The N-terminal domain is formed by a pair of hinged domains, termed the Venus fly-trap domain, and is responsible for binding glutamate and activating the receptor3. The C-terminal is important in modulating G-protein-coupling (Figure 1).

Function

​mGluRs function as neuromodulators that can modulate neuronal excitability or neurotransmitter release1,4. In general, Group I mGluRs increase neuron excitability, whereas Groups II and III tend to suppress neuronal excitability5. Group I mGluRs are coupled to Gαq proteins, and activate phospholipase C1. Groups II and III receptors are coupled to Gi/o proteins, leading to adenylyl cyclase inhibition and cAMP formation, limiting downstream protein kinase A (PKA) activation1.

Group I: mGlu1 and mGlu5

Group I mGluRs are primarily located postsynaptically and function by stimulating phospholipase C (PLC) to increase levels of diacylglycerol and inositol triphosphate. This activates protein kinase C (PKC) and the release of intracellular Ca2+, ultimately inhibiting presynaptic K+ channels and delaying nerve terminal repolarization. Group I mGluRs can also activate a range of downstream effectors, which may be important in the regulation of synaptic plasticity1.

Group II: mGlu2 and mGlu3

Group II mGluRs function presynaptically to suppress neuronal excitability through the inhibition of adenylate cyclase5. mGlu2 and mGlu3 subtypes share a high degree of sequence similarity and are highly expressed in the hippocampus, cortex, nucleus accumbens, striatum and amygdala7. These receptors are potential novel targets in the treatment of anxiety disorders and schizophrenia8–10.

Group III: mGlu4, mGlu6, mGlu7 and mGlu8

Group III mGluRs function in the same manner as Group II, being expressed presynaptically and suppressing neuronal excitability by inhibiting adenylate cyclase5. mGlu4 and mGlu7 receptors are widely distributed in the brain7, mGlu6 receptors are localized to the retina11, and mGlu8 receptors are primarily found at low levels in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and olfactory bulb7. Group III mGluRs play a role in synaptic remodeling and persistent drug seeking and addiction, exerting their effect via an as yet undefined presynaptic mechanism – possibly also extending to postsynaptic modulation12.